I recently had an excellent experience at Composition ID in Houston, Texas, and I can't recommend them highly enough. I will be very transparent with my numbers in this review to give you a glimpse of how these tests can guide you in your fitness journey.
For context, I own an Etekcity Smart Scale purchased from Amazon.com for $79.99, which claims to measure 14 essential biometrics, including body fat percentage. This scale indicated that my body fat percentage was 12.7%, placing me in the "athlete" category according to the American Council on Exercise. However, I had heard that these scales can be inaccurate due to factors like water in your system affecting the results. Smart scales use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to estimate body fat percentage by measuring the resistance of an electrical current as it passes through the body.
During a recent medical checkup, I had a DEXA scan with a GE Lunar Prodigy machine, which is considered the gold standard of body composition scans. DEXA, or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, is a painless, quick, and safe way to measure bone density, lean mass, and fat tissue. However, it showed my body fat percentage to be closer to 21%. This result was surprising, considering my consistent workout routine. Despite the doctor's insistence that the results were accurate, I felt the need for a second opinion and was recommended to try Composition ID by friends.
Booking an appointment through Composition ID's website was straightforward, and I managed to get a same-day slot. They offer a DEXA scan for $110, but I opted for a comprehensive package that included a DEXA scan, Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) test, and a VO2 Max test for $325.
Upon arrival, I was seen by Faith Green, the Front Office Director and Nutritionist. Faith conducted the DEXA scan using the same GE Lunar Prodigy machine, assuring me that they calibrate it every morning. The scan revealed my body fat percentage to be 17%, which aligns much more closely with my fitness level compared to the doctor's results.
The Resting Metabolic Rate test was enlightening, determining my resting energy expenditure to be 1339 calories per day. The RMR test is a 12-minute test where you breathe normally through a tube while at rest. It calculates how many calories your body burns if you were doing absolutely nothing for 24 hours. This type of information is crucial for tailoring your caloric intake for weight management.
The VO2 Max test was a challenging, but insightful experience. With a heart rate monitor and breathing mask, I walked on a treadmill with increasing difficulty. The VO2 Max test measures your cardiovascular endurance and health by finding your maximum oxygen uptake during intense exercise. My result of 45.7 places me in the "excellent" fitness category, and I now have a benchmark to improve upon in future tests. Anything above 50 is considered "superior."
Faith was incredibly helpful in explaining my results and guiding me toward my fitness goals. The service at Composition ID was professional, thorough, and significantly more accurate than the results I received from a doctor. For anyone looking to understand their body's current functioning and get precise, actionable insights, I highly recommend Composition ID. Their expertise and detailed testing are worth every penny. read more